More than 110 people from around the diocese gathered for cocktails and dinner on Sunday, May 22, at the home of Julie and Rowan Taylor, the 2016 Annual Catholic Appeal Chair Couple.
Bishop Frank J. Caggiano was the honored guest at the event which provided an opportunity for the Taylors to bring a younger group of individuals and families together to meet the bishop and other guests.
Julie and Rowan, who are parishioners of St. Aloysius Parish in New Canaan, shared their personal testimony of faith and their love for the Church. They also showed the 2016 Appeal video.
Bishop Caggiano thanked everyone for attending, and spoke with younger guests about their ability to make a difference in the future of the Church. He added that their support to the Appeal changes lives.
The bishop highlighted the story of Brian Jenkins in the Appeal video, who went from a guest of Merton Center to earning his doctorate and becoming director of the soup kitchen that serves more than 350,000 meals a year in downtown Bridgeport.
The bishop said that Brian’s life was “truly a miracle” because of the service and compassion he received through a Catholic Charities program.
He also praised the Taylors for their ongoing commitment and thanked Vice Chairs Maureen and Michael Considine and Elena and Stephen Schlegel.
Rowan Taylor asked guests to “look around and see who’s not here,” and then to reach out to those individuals and tell them why it is important to support the Appeal. He also explained the need for monetary support of the diocese, which funds programs and events from seminarian education to nutrition programs.
Julie Taylor added that she and her husband continued on for a second year as Chairs because they “care about the future of their Catholic faith,” and opening their home to host an event is a way for both of them to help continue the work of the Gospel.
The Taylors have spoken about the work of the Diocese of Bridgeport, and the need for giving, at vicariate receptions throughout the diocese.
“Their work as chair couple for the second consecutive year has been fruitful. The 2016 Catholic Appeal has received donations totaling 85% of its goal to date,” said Pamela Rittman, Director of the ACA.
The theme of the 2016 Annual Catholic Appeal is Renewed in Faith, Hope and Charity. The overall $11 million goal funds the major programs and ministries of the Diocese, including schools, Catholic Charities, religious education, St. John Fisher Seminary and the Catherine Denis Keefe Queen of Clergy Retirement Residence in Stamford.
For more information or to give online, go to www.2016ACAbridgeport.com or phone: (203) 416-1470.
